Royal Oak Energy Grant Ending March 31

Local residents have just one more month to take advantage of a grant program designed to help people make their homes more energy efficient and save money on monthly energy bills.

BetterBuildings for Michigan, an nonprofit program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, just announced that its home energy incentive program is nearing completion. The program will end March 31 or when they have served a total of 4,000 homes across the region. Nearly 3,200 residents have signed up already.

An educational meeting about reducing energy will be held March 25, 2013 at 6 p.m. at the Kulick Center in Ferndale MI. Residents of Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Madison Heights and Royal Oak are encouraged to attend and will have an opportunity to sign up for the program.

Residents who sign up for BetterBuildings for Michigan will get a comprehensive energy audit at a discounted cost of $100. During the audit, a Certified Building Analyst will use high tech equipment to pinpoint where homes are losing energy and detect structural leaks, air infiltration and inadequate insulation. A free program is also available for residents who meet the income requirement.

Residents will also get CFL lightbulbs, a low-flow showerhead and programmable thermostst installed and will receive a personalized report designed to help them prioritize energy efficiency projects and understand what incentives are available to pay for any recommended improvements.

If residents choose to take on an energy saving project, from adding insulation to replacing a furnace they are eligible for up to $5,000 in incentives toward the cost of those projects. Depending on the project, the grant funding may cover from 25% to as much as 60% of the cost.

“This is a great opportunity for people to reduce their monthly energy bills and help the environment at the same time,” said Jacob Corvidae, who directs the program. He also noted that the average resident who chooses to make home upgrades will save an estimated $580 per year on their energy bills.

The announcement comes on the heels of congress passing a new $500 Energy Efficiency Tax Rebate on January 1, and utility companies DTE Energy and Consumers Energy extending their rebates into spring 2013. These programs combine to offer southeast Michigan homeowners up to $5,000 in financing that they may use toward energy efficient home improvements, from adding insulation to replacing an old furnace.

“We’ve made a significant impact in helping residents reduce energy consumption,” said Corvidae. “Now we are focusing on making sure as many as people as possible take advantage of this opportunity before the funding runs out.”

Source: BetterBuildings for Michigan